Oh my gosh! That sounds scary. Of course, I guess once they kill your thyroid, you'll be on thyroid meds, right? I hope they can get all of this stabilized for you -- the thyroid is such an important hormone to keep all our systems functioning well. Please keep us posted! Sending happy thoughts your way.

hi michigirl:

You might want to go over to the Graves' Disease board and read old posts on the pros and cons of RAI. It doesn't work for everyone.

I thank God I still have my thyroid after 20+ years as hypO before I became hypER 10+ years ago. I stay on low dose ATD (antithyroid drug) watch my triggers (foods,drinks, stress, etc.) and I do fine.

{{{hugs}}}

michigirl,

just want to wish you good luck and hope it goes well. I'm glad you can stay on your ra meds. It does sound scary, but im sure you will feel so much better when it's done.

let us know how you do

hugs sandi

I love your attitude, michigirl. If you can, laughing does help to keep your spirits up. I can relate to how you feel - since being dx with RA something else keeps popping up in blood tests or scans. This is me - someone who only ever took a Panadol or Antibiotic and needed to see my PCP once or twice a year. lolol
Good luck with your thyroid treatment. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Hugs

michigirl:

Here's a link of all the thyroid facts including info on TT, RAI, or staying on ATD which will help you with your research. This way you'll have a better understanding what needs to be done. Thyroid disease is for life, no matter what is done with it.

Our database of articles and links are quite numerous.

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/graves-disease-general-info/discussions

{{{hugs}}} :-)

HI michigirl, I had radioactive idoine treatment 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I also had Graves disease. They removed my thyroid and then I had my iodine treatment. I did very, very well with it. I was just really tired and I had a metallic taste in my mouth for awhile. My hair also was falling out..nothing noticeable to anyone else but I saw it everyday in the bathroom (tub, floor, sink). I have thick hair so really you would never know I had hair loss.

I was willing to put up with all this if it meant I was going to be cancer free. And I am happy to say that after 10 years, I am still cancer free!!!!!

I am not happy to say I was diagnosed with RA last August...I was told when I had my thyroid issues that I was at risk for developing further autoimmune disorders and although it took awhile, here I am now with RA. I do believe I have had RA alot longer than just recently but always blamed my fatigue and joint issues on the lack of a thyroid because I had a hard time getting my levels regulated.

If you further questions or want to talk about RI treatment, add me as a friend. I would be glad to talk to you...I know how terrified I was about the whole thing when I went through it and never had anyone to talk to. I was 29 at the time and had a 10 and 8 year old as well as a 6 mos old baby.

Best of luck!

You people are so wonderful!
I first had a problem with my thyroid 20 years ago, so I've been pretty lucky to have been able to keep it this long. yes mvalere, according to the doc, I will have to go on thyroid meds for the rest of my life. But I'm already taking RA meds for the rest of my life, so eh, what's a couple more :) Thanks again pals, and angelpuss, I like your style!